Donald Trump’s “Fine People”

Donald Trump has casually referred to various nominees and appointees during his administration as “fine people,” “wonderful people,” or “great people.” But, recalling what Groucho Marx famously said about not wanting to be a member of any club that would have him, perhaps we should see it as suspect when Donald Trump heaps praise on someone. Trump’s accuracy in declaring people to be stellar human beings hasn’t exactly been spot-on. Are Trump’s proclamations about “fine people” and “great relationships” dishonest, or just insincere?

Below are just a few whom Trump has at one time deemed “fine people”:

Tom Price, former Secretary of Health and Human Services: Fired for using military and private jets for personal use (at taxpayers’ expense). Just shortly before his dismissal, Trump pronounced him “a very, very fine man.”

Scott Pruitt, former head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Resigned amid numerous legal and ethics scandals. In April of 2018, Trump said of Pruitt, “He’s a good man.”

Paul Manafort, former Trump campaign chairman: Found guilty of eight counts of tax and bank fraud.

After Manafort was convicted, Trump tweeted, “I feel very badly for Paul Manafort and his wonderful family…Such respect for a brave man!” and “Manafort is a good man, and the conviction is very sad,” praising Manafort for “refusing to break,” and portraying him as a victim of “Justice.”

Michael Flynn, former National Security Advisor: Fired for lying to Vice President Mike Pence. Another “fine man,” according to Donald Trump.

Rob Porter, former White House Staff Secretary, who left his post amid allegations of spousal abuse of two former wives:

“People’s lives are being shattered and destroyed by a mere allegation,” Tweeted Trump. (Does this sound familiar?)

Incidentally, earlier in 2018, it was reported that Trump had said he hoped Porter could come back to work at the White House.

Most recently, Donald Trump has praised Supreme Court nominee (now seated Supreme Court justice) Brett Kavanaugh, by saying, “Brett Kavanaugh is one of the finest human beings you’ll ever have the privilege of knowing or meeting.”

Trump’s supporters believe him and support Trump’s opinion of Kavanaugh. Though the sexual assault allegations against Kavanaugh have not been proven, Kavanaugh’s demeanor and responses during questioning about the allegations have brought up speculation about his integrity and his fitness as a Supreme Court judge. We can only wait and see if Kavanaugh belongs on Trump’s list of “fine people.”